Apple crisp, fried dough, carousels and carnies… you can guess where I went this week. I love the Fryeburg Fair and haven’t missed a visit since 1996. My favorite part is its “Groundhog Day” element of timelessness, because each year it is exactly the same. As fast as most things move these days, it is so nice to have that one thing that remains a constant. What a wonderful way to kick off October.

Black gold

I wrote about hauling 1,200 lbs. of compost from the transfer station this spring, which at a penny per pound is the best deal around for rich, healthy soil. Well, I can report that all of the lugging was worth it, because I look like a survivalist with all of the frozen veggies that are stuffed in my freezer.

Tom Tash, the new recreation director for Bridgton, wants to show local children that making compost is easy and so much more sensible than throwing vitamin-rich food in the garbage. He is holding a family compost day at the transfer station on Saturday, Nov. 6, to celebrate its two-year participation in the single-sort program.

Tash is encouraging local businesses and volunteers to get involved in the event; if you are interested in sponsoring Compost Day or donating your time, please call him at 647-8786. This event is free and open to everybody. Learn to compost, because today’s scraps could be next summer’s garden.

Courtyard celebration

The Bridgton Library has always been a local favorite of mine, with its high-speed Internet, loads of new books and the friendly, unstuffy staff. After a summer of hard work by many awesome volunteers, the library is celebrating its 115th birthday with a bash in the new courtyard.

The years-long fundraising effort has culminated in a dramatic facelift for the library’s front lawn. Lucia Terry of Perennial Point of View has led the ambitious renovation, and the recent installation of the curved granite walls that frame the space are an elegant complement to the classic old building.

The ribbon-cutting dedication will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 11 a.m., and will include a performance by the Mollyockett Singers, free refreshments and games for the kids. The event is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to stop by and see the amazing work Terry and the dozens of volunteers have done. In case of rain, it will be the following day, also at 11.

Challenge of champions

Shawnee Peak’s steep slopes are the perfect setting for high-endurance competitions, with or without snow cover. The newest event is the Shawnee Peak Challenge, and you are invited to match skills with the most elite athletes in New England.

On Saturday, Oct. 23, the mountain will host 15 military-grade obstacles designed by a Special-Ops instructor. These include running, climbing, crawling and jumping, with each one intended to challenge both physical and mental skills. There will also be entertainment, food and drinks, as well as a “Mini-Peak Challenge” for kids.

For more information about the course and how to register, check out www.shawneepeakchallenge.com.

Toddler time

The Bridgton Community Center offers a diverse schedule of classes, performances and special events throughout the year. A new addition to the roster is the Rainbow Days Playgroup.

Every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon and Friday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Jacqueline Moulton invites toddlers and their parents to join in toy time, singing, games and the friendship of other parents and children. All are welcome, from 6 months to 5 years old. The center is located at 15 Depot St. For more information, call 647-3116.

For the ladies

Last year’s “Girls Day Out” event was such a hit in town that founder and Firefly owner Jessica Jones is throwing an even bigger party this year.

On Saturday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. shops all around Bridgton will have special events and promotions, many with food and refreshments. If you are a local business owner this is a great way to showcase your shop.

For a $25 fee, your business will be promoted in all of the event’s advertising and you will get full-color postcards to distribute in advance. For information, please call Jessica at 647-3672 or stop by the Firefly Boutique at 82 Main St.